Rapper Tory Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson) has suffered a major legal defeat after a California appellate court rejected critical parts of his appeal in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. The ruling means his 10‑year prison sentence will remain intact.
What the court decided
- The California Court of Appeal denied Lanez’s habeas petitions including claims about newly discovered evidence and his driver’s testimony.
- Lanez was originally convicted in December 2022 of three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. The incident occurred after a party in Hollywood Hills where Megan testified he shot her in the feet.
- With this appeal setback, Lanez remains incarcerated and will serve the full term unless other legal avenues succeed. The direct appeal of his conviction still remains pending in some respects.
Why this matters
This decision closes one of the major legal options for Lanez and cements a serious sentence. For the hip‑hop community and legal watchers, it underscores how courts are handling high‑profile cases involving artists and gun violence. The ruling also highlights the difficulty of overturning verdicts based on new evidence once key appeals are denied.
What to watch next
- Whether Lanez’s legal team will file additional appeals or petitions to challenge jail conditions or sentencing enhancements.
- How this affects Lanez’s future in music: his brand, streaming activity, and fan engagement while serving his sentence will be closely monitored.
- Any further statements by Megan Thee Stallion’s team, especially in relation to her protection, legal costs and this outcome.
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